What About Merry?
Why do we reserve the term ‘Merry’ only for this one day a year?
Have you ever wondered why we use the term ‘Merry’ with Christmas, but no other special event? We don’t say “Merry Birthday!” or “Merry Anniversary!” What is it about the word ‘Merry’ we reserve for the day Christ was born?
Image people using that term more commonly in the same way we do during the Christmas Season. When I check out at the Supermarket, I wish the bagger “Merry Christmas!” and both she and the checker return my cheer. Same with almost everyone I encounter, especially as the Big Day draws near. I love the sense of community, of brotherhood and good cheer it engenders. I just wish we would all feel, and act, that way every day!
Today, the Day After Christmas, it struck me, why do we reserve the term ‘Merry’ only for this one day a year? I am not necessarily against the fact, or critical of it, but it does seem odd that we use other adjectives with abandon: “Joyful” “Happy” or “Wonderful” when we wish people to enjoy an event like a wedding, a birthday or even the New Year.
“Happy Birthday!”
“ Have a wonderful vacation!”
“ Here’s hoping your wedding was joyful!”
But I can’t remember anyone wishing me a “Merry Anniversary!” Or upon the announcement of the birth of a new baby, “ Congratulations! Have a Merry Parenthood!”
Why not?
In fact, I wonder, why it isn’t used as often as I hear “Merry Christmas!” during the lead up to December 25th? It would be nice if right before hanging up from a customer service call to your cell phone provider, after waiting on hold for twenty minutes, then getting shuffled around to three different agents, none of whom can fix the problem, we all would blurt out, with the same sense of optimism and encouragement, “Merry the rest of your life!”
I think I actually do know why the term ‘Merry’ is used in such a unique and precious way.
It’s because Christmas is itself a moment in time when we all reflect on the Christian notion that life is The Most Precious Gift of All. That Life itself must be recognized as God given and protected at all cost, even if it may require giving of oneself to protect another life. The concept that God requires us to celebrate life, to encourage more of it, and to practice happiness, is unique to the Biblical spirit of loving and forgiving of one another. The word is inspirational, positive, and most importantly, definitive.
To Be Merry!
Can you think of any other major religious movement that is founded on such a notion? And since the birth of the Son of God is celebrated on December 25th, now two thousand and twenty six years later, it seems rather obvious the majority of people of Earth have embraced the idea. Or at least those of us who have, are intent on helping those that haven’t yet, to get on board.
Merry 2026 Everyone!